MERCEDES-BENZ SLS 2011 C197 Owner's Manual

BrakeProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions!The yellow ABS
indicator lamp
comes on while
the engine is
running. The brake system is still functioning normally but due to a
malfunction, the ABS, the BAS, the ESC, and the hill-start assist
system are unavailable.XContinue driving with added caution. Wheels may lock during
hard braking, reducing steering capability.XAdjust driving to be consistent with reduced braking
responsiveness.XRead and observe messages that may appear in the
multifunction display ( Y page 364).XHave the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an
accident.
÷
å
!The yellow ESC
warning lamp,
the yellow ESC
OFF warning
lamp, and the
yellow ABS
indicator lamp
come on while
the engine is
running and an
acoustic
warning sounds.The Electronic Brake Proportioning (EBP) switched off due to a
malfunction.
The ABS, the BAS, the ESC, and the hill-start assist system are
also switched off.
The brake system is still functioning normally but without the
systems specified above available.XContinue driving with added caution. Wheels may lock during
hard braking, reducing steering capability.XAdjust driving to be consistent with reduced braking
responsiveness.XRead and observe messages that may appear in the
multifunction display ( Y page 364).XHave the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an
accident.
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ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsF (USA only)
! (Canada only)
The red indicator lamp
for the electronic
parking brake flashes
and/or the yellow
warning lamp for the
electronic parking
brake is on.The electronic parking brake is malfunctioning or defective.XRead and observe messages that may appear in the
multifunction display ( Y page 364).XHave the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.$ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
The red brake warning
lamp comes on while
the engine is running
and an acoustic
warning sounds.There is insufficient brake fluid in the reservoir.
Risk of accident!XDo not drive any further. Stop the vehicle in a safe location as
soon as it is safe to do so.XEngage the electronic parking brake.XRead and observe messages that may appear in the
multifunction display ( Y page 364).XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Do not add brake fluid! This will not solve the problem.
GWarning!
Driving with the brake warning lamp illuminated can result in an accident. Have your brake system
checked immediately if the brake warning lamp stays on. Do not add brake fluid before checking
the brake system.
Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire. You can be seriously burned.
! If you find that the brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir has fallen to the minimum mark
or below, have the brake system checked for brake pad thickness and leaks.
390What to do if...Practical hints
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Safety systemsProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions7The red seat belt
telltale comes
on for a
maximum of
6 seconds after
starting the
engine. The seat belt telltale reminds you and your passenger to fasten
your seat belts before driving off.XFasten your seat belts.
Regardless of whether the seat belts are fastened or not, the seat
belt telltale always comes on and remains lit for 6 seconds after
starting the engine.
7The red seat belt
telltale comes
on. In addition
you hear a
warning chime
for a maximum
of 6 seconds
after starting the
engine.You have forgotten to fasten your seat belt.XFasten your seat belt.
The warning chime stops sounding.7The red seat belt
telltale comes
on while the
vehicle is
standing still
and the engine is
running or while
driving.You and/or your passenger have forgotten to fasten your seat
belts.XFasten your seat belts.
The seat belt telltale goes out.There are items placed on the passenger seat and therefore the
system senses the passenger seat as being occupied.XRemove the items from the passenger seat and put them in a
safe place.
The seat belt telltale goes out.7The red seat belt
telltale flashes
while driving. In
addition, an
intermittent
warning chime
sounds with
increasing
intensity.The vehicle’s speed once exceeded 15 mph (25 km/h) and you
and/or your passenger have forgotten to fasten your seat belts.XFasten your seat belts.
The seat belt telltale goes out and the warning chime stops
sounding.There are items placed on the passenger seat and therefore the
system senses the passenger seat as being occupied.XRemove the items from the passenger seat and put them in a
safe place.
The seat belt telltale goes out and the warning chime stops
sounding.What to do if...391Practical hintsBA 197 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 27, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-03-24T15:31:10+01:00 - Seite 391Z

iAfter 60 seconds with an unfastened seat belt the warning chime stops sounding and the
seat belt telltale illuminates continuously. The seat belt telltale will only go out if both, the
driver and passenger’s seat belt are fastened, or the vehicle is standing still and a door is
opened.ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions6The red SRS
indicator lamp
comes on while
driving. There is a malfunction in the restraint systems. The air bags or
Emergency Tensioning Devices (ETDs) could deploy unexpectedly
or fail to activate in an accident.XDrive with added caution to the nearest authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.GWarning!
In the event a malfunction of the SRS is indicated as outlined above, the SRS may not be
operational.
For your safety, we strongly recommend that you contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
immediately to have the system checked. Otherwise the SRS may not be activated when needed
in an accident, which could result in serious or fatal injury, or it might deploy unexpectedly and
unnecessarily which could also result in injury.
392What to do if...Practical hints
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ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsìThe yellow ESC
SPORT warning
lamp comes on
while the engine
is running.ESC SPORT is activated.
Risk of accident!
When ESC SPORT is activated it will only stabilize the vehicle to a
limited extent if the system recognizes that the vehicle starts to
skid or that a wheel is spinning.XSwitch ESC SPORT off ( Y page 62).
The message ESC-ON appears in the multifunction display.÷
åThe yellow ESC
warning lamp
and the yellow
ESC OFF
warning lamp
come on while
the engine is
running. The ESC is not operational due to a malfunction.
The ABS, the BAS, and the hill-start assist system are also
switched off.
The brake system is still functioning normally but without the
systems specified above available.XRead and observe additional messages that may appear in the
multifunction display.XContinue driving with added caution. Wheels may lock during
hard braking, reducing steering capability.XAdapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road and weather
conditions.XHave the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an
accident.
÷The yellow ESC
warning lamp
flashes while
driving.The ESC or the ETS has come into operation because of detected
traction loss in at least one tire.XWhen driving off, apply as little throttle as possible.XWhile driving, ease up on the accelerator pedal.XAdapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road and weather
conditions.XDo not deactivate the ESC.
Exceptions: ( Y page 62).
Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an
accident.
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VehicleProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions8The yellow fuel
tank reserve
warning lamp
comes on when
the engine is
running. The fuel level has gone below the reserve mark.XRefuel at the next gas station.
Engine
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions;The yellow
engine
malfunction
indicator lamp
comes on when
the engine is
running. There may be a malfunction in
R the fuel management system
R the ignition system
R the emission control system
R systems which affect emissions
Such malfunctions may result in excessive emissions values and
may switch the engine to limp-home (emergency operation) mode.XHave the vehicle checked as soon as possible at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
i Some states may by law require you to visit a workshop as
soon as the engine malfunction indicator lamp comes on. Check
local requirements.
;The yellow
engine
malfunction
indicator lamp
comes on when
the engine is
running.A loss of pressure has been detected in the fuel system. The fuel
cap may not be closed properly or the fuel system may be leaky.XCheck the fuel cap ( Y page 321).XIf it is not closed properly: Close the fuel cap.XIf it is closed properly: Have the fuel system checked by an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.çThe red engine
oil temperature
warning lamp is
on while the
engine is
running. In
addition, an
acoustic
warning sounds.The engine oil temperature is above 284‡ (140†).
The engine is not cooled sufficiently and could be damaged.XStop the vehicle in a safe location or as soon as it is safe to do
so and turn off the engine.XLet the engine cool.394What to do if...Practical hints
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GWarning!
Driving when your engine is overheated can cause some fluids which may have leaked into the
engine compartment to catch fire. You could be seriously burned.
Steam from an overheated engine can cause serious burns which can occur just by opening the
engine hood. Stay away from the engine if you see or hear steam coming from it.
Stop the vehicle in a safe location away from other traffic. Turn off the engine, get out of the
vehicle and do not stand near the vehicle until the engine has cooled down.
! The engine should not be operated with the engine oil temperature above 140†. Doing
so may cause serious damage which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Tires
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionshUSA only:
Combination
low tire pressure
telltale/TPMS
malfunction
telltale for the
Advanced TPMS
illuminates
continuously.
Canada only:
Low tire
pressure telltale
for the
Advanced TPMS
illuminates
continuously.The Advanced TPMS detects a loss of pressure in at least one tire.XCarefully bring the vehicle to a halt, avoiding abrupt steering and
braking maneuvers. Observe the traffic situation around you.XRead and observe messages in the multifunction display
( Y page 364).
If the tire inflation pressure in the respective tire(s) has (have) been
corrected, the combination low tire pressure/TPMS malfunction
telltale goes out after a few minutes of driving.
hUSA only:
Combination
low tire pressure
telltale/TPMS
malfunction
telltale for the
Advanced TPMS
flashes 60
seconds and
then stays
illuminated.There is a malfunction in the Advanced TPMS.XRead and observe messages in the multifunction display
( Y page 364).XHave the Advanced TPMS checked at an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.
After the malfunction has been remedied, the combination low tire
pressure/TPMS malfunction telltale goes out after a few minutes
of driving.
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GWarning!
Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked at least once a month when cold
and inflated to the inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on the Tire and
Loading Information placard on the driver’s door B-pillar or the tire inflation pressure label on the
inside of the fuel filler flap. If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated on
the Tire and Loading Information placard or the tire inflation pressure label, you should determine
the proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a tire pressure monitoring
system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when one or more of your tires are
significantly underinflated. Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you should
stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving
on a significantly underinflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Underinflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling
and stopping ability. Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire maintenance,
and it is the driver’s responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, even if underinflation has
not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
USA only:
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when the
system is not operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with the low tire
pressure telltale. When the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for approximately
1 minute and then remain continuously illuminated. This sequence will continue upon subsequent
vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction exists. When the malfunction indicator is illuminated,
the system may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended.
TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons, including the installation of incompatible
replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning
properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or more tires or wheels
on your vehicle to ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to
continue to function properly.
Lamp in center console
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions4 5
The passenger front air
bag off indicator lamp
illuminates and
remains illuminated
with the weight of a
typical adult or
someone larger than a
small individual on the
passenger seat. The system is malfunctioning.XHave the system checked as soon as possible at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.XRead and observe messages in the multifunction display and
follow corrective steps ( Y page 364).396What to do if...Practical hints
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GWarning!
If the 4 5 indicator lamp illuminates and remains illuminated with the weight of a typical
adult or someone larger than a small individual on the passenger seat, do not have any passenger
use the passenger seat until the system has been repaired.
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions4 5
The passenger front air
bag off indicator lamp
does not illuminate
and/or does not
remain illuminated with
the weight of a typical
12-month-old child in a
standard child restraint
or less on the
passenger seat.The system is malfunctioning.XMake sure there is nothing between seat cushion and child seat
and check installation of the child seat.XMake sure no objects applying supplemental weight onto the
seat are present.XIf the passenger front air bag off indicator lamp remains out,
have the system checked as soon as possible at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. Do not transport a child on the
passenger seat until the system has been repaired.XRead and observe messages in the multifunction display and
follow corrective steps ( Y page 364).GWarning!
If the 4 5 indicator lamp does not illuminate or remains out with the weight of a typical
12-month-old child in a standard child restraint or less on the passenger seat, do not transport
a child on the passenger seat until the system has been repaired.
Unlocking/locking manually
Mechanical key
If you cannot lock or unlock the vehicle with
the SmartKey, use the mechanical key.
The anti-theft alarm system will be triggered
when you
R unlock the driver’s door with the
mechanical key
and
R open the driver’s door
To cancel the alarm, see “Canceling the
alarm” ( Y page 67).
Removing the mechanical key XMove locking tab : in the direction of the
arrow.XSlide mechanical key ; out of the housing.Unlocking/locking manually397Practical hintsBA 197 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 27, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-03-24T15:31:10+01:00 - Seite 397Z

Unlocking/locking the vehicle
If you cannot lock or unlock the vehicle
centrally with the SmartKey, use the
mechanical key.
The anti-theft alarm system will be triggered
when you
Runlock the driver’s door with the
mechanical key
and
Ropen the driver’s door
To cancel the alarm, see “Canceling the
alarm” (Y page 67).
XRemove the mechanical key from the
SmartKey (Y page 397).
XUnlocking: Insert the mechanical key into
the driver’s door lock.
XTurn the mechanical key counterclockwise
to position 3.
The locking knob on the driver’s door
moves up. The driver’s door is unlocked.
XTurn the mechanical key back and remove
it from the driver’s door lock.
XOpening door: Press and hold release
button :.
The outside door handle moves out slightly.
XPull the outside door handle out as far as it
will go.
XLift the door using the outside door handle
and swing it up as far as it will go.
! The doors swing up when opened. Make
sure there is sufficient space above the
vehicle.
XLocking: Open the driver’s door.XClose the passenger door and the trunk.XPress down the locking knob of the
passenger door.
XExit the vehicle and close the driver’s door.XInsert the mechanical key into the driver’s
door lock.
XTurn the mechanical key clockwise to
position 2.
The vehicle is locked.
XTurn the mechanical key back and remove
it from the driver’s door lock.
XCheck whether the doors are locked.
iWhen you lock the vehicle with the
mechanical key, the outside door handle
remains in extended position.
This procedure does not arm the anti-theft
alarm system, nor does it lock the fuel filler
flap.
Unlocking/locking the trunk
If you cannot lock or unlock the trunk with the
SmartKey, use the mechanical key.
XRemove the mechanical key from the
SmartKey (Y page 397).
XOpen the rear storage compartment in the
center console (Y page 304).
XInsert the mechanical key into trunk lid
lock :.
XLocking: Turn the mechanical key
clockwise as far as it will go.
398Unlocking/locking manuallyPractical hints
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